JACOB Rees-Mogg has silenced the claims Tory Brexiteers are plotting to oust Theresa May in a party coup, following reports 50 MPs attended a meeting of the European Research Group (ERG) to “openly discuss” how to “chuck” the Prime Minister.

Appearing on BBC Newsnight, passionate Brexiteer and ERG chairman Jacob Rees-Mogg reassured BBC political editor Nick Watt that there was no threat to Theresa May’s premiership.

When asked by Mr Watt whether he is a moderating influence among hard-line Brexiteers and if he is asking MPs to keep their letters in a drawer, Mr Rees-Mogg said: “I don’t think there are many people who are saying that.

“I think there has always been a few.

“No leader of any party, even Jesus had disciples who were disgruntled with him.

Jacob Rees-Mogg reassured BBC political editor Nick Watt that there is no threat to Theresa May (Image: BBC/Getty)

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The Tory MP’s remarks come less than 24 hours after reports emerged of an ERG meeting, in which attendees discussed handing in letters of no confidence to the 1922 Committee.

If 48 letters are submitted, a vote of no confidence would be triggered.

An anonymous source present at the gathering told ITV: "We've just had an ERG mass meeting, 50 odd MPs present, where virtually the only topic of conversation for 40 to 50 mins was how best do we get rid of her?

Mr Rees-Mogg said that despite the quality of the leader there's always been opponents (Image: BBC)

“What is the best way to use our letters?

"You might think that this is usual for us, but it is not.

“Not in the mass weekly meeting, never in what is basically a public forum.

“The truly amazing thing was that they spoke about it so openly, in such an unabashed way."

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Insiders believe Theresa May could be forced to resign within days if she does not “chuck” Chequers (Image: Getty)

But despite the reports, the ERG chairman repeatedly denied discussing the possibility of a leadership bid at the meeting.

Mr Rees-Mogg said in a statement to the press yesterday: "I have long said and repeated again and again that I think the policy needs to be changed but I am supporting the person. Theresa May has enormous virtues.